Ntokozo Mahlangu, popularly known as SHADE, is a South African singer, songwriter, poet, and storyteller who blends music and literature to create an urban contemporary sound that he describes as eccentric afro neo-soul/jazz. In 2017, he was named winner of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz #Discover competition. He has performed at top music events across the country like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Fete De la Musique Festival, African Renaissance Festival, Winnies Soul &Jazz Restaurant, and many other sought-after music stages in South Africa. He released his debut single Wena on the 16th of August 2019 to let fans into the writing and creative process for his upcoming EP, which is due for release in January 2020.
SHADE’s artistic work is anchored against the backdrop of raising awareness and supporting LGBTQI+ advocacy. “I aim to utilize my craft to speak about issues that promote harmony in society. I’m in a position where I can get people to pause, listen, and reflect. That is the power I intend to excise for the benefit of the LGBTQI+ community.”Check out our interview with him below.
TRsT: Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. Can we get a little background on how you got into music?
SHADE: Music has always been a significant part of my life. I understood that I had the gift from a young age, and it wasn’t just any other kid that had it. As a toddler in Sunday school, I was leading songs, and I was asked to join the main church choir at age 11 (that was unheard of). At school talent shows, I was the Usher or Maxwell. Fast-forward, the defining moment for me was at age 13 when my grandmother fell sick; she would ask me to come sing for her until she passes out. I then knew that music was a gift bestowed on me to fulfill a greater purpose. May her soul rest in peace.
TRsT: That is such a beautiful story. May her soul rest in peace. Let us talk about your journey as an artist. How has that been?
SHADE: It has been an interesting one, and like many artists, it has had its ups and downs. I usually say my journey is only two years old, even though my first try as a professional musician was in 2011 when I did a lot of backing vocals for gospel artists, studio sessions, and being part of various music groups. However, that was short-lived as I started feeling disconnected from the content of the music I was doing and who I was as a person. In addition, I experienced the common conflictions of being homosexual living in religious settings. I decided to stop as I could not locate the purpose anymore. IIt’sonly in 2017, when it all started again, I had complete control of my message. I was ready to speak my truth and stand by it in my art. We’re here today, doing well, and it’s fulfilling.
TRsT: Interesting that you mentioned being gay and making music. How is it like to be an openly gay artist in South Africa?
SHADE: I never think about it. I don’t know if people think about it too. I’m yet to experience if it limits me or not. For now, the reception has been good, and people want good music. They want to be healed, entertained and inspired. So that’s what I’m doing. But I must say, my sexuality is very much a part of the meaningful conversations I want people to have as a result of holistically engaging with the brand SHADE.
TRsT: How would you describe your creative process?
SHADE: I honestly have no structured process. It is fluid, random, and untimely. However, I am always ready to respond to creating, whenever and however.
TRsT: Your new single is titled Wena. What is the inspiration behind it?
SHADE: #Wena was written from a social media perspective or relationships context. It explores how social media has broadened access for people to enter into our lives looking for different things. It creates an illusion of this overwhelming public admiration that sometimes one may confuse with real love. People start comparing this virtual love with genuine love, forgetting that people in the virtual space will promise things, present fake lifestyles that are desirable for uninformed minds, and speak languages that have the potential to destabilize weak hearts. We keep chasing these perfect individuals we experience on our screens and DMs. I’ve always been aware of this, and choice has remained very important. Chose yours, stick to it, and be grateful. Social media admiration shouldn’t be an instrument one uses to question the love they receive in real life.
TRsT: Should we be expecting a full-length album soon?
SHADE: An EP, early 2020. or now I keep dropping a few songs, officially and unofficially.
TRsT: Who are your influences? Music and otherwise.
SHADE: Musically, Bilal – I wish he was gay too (laughs). His musicianship is exceptionally brilliant, and I love everything about his writing, arrangements, and overall approach. But, generally, I am inspired by many brave and creative queer individuals whose work is anchored on the need to raise awareness, break boundaries, and pave the way for many young boys and girls who will carry on the struggle when we can’t anymore.
TRsT: What is your hope for the LGBTIQ community in Africa.
SHADE: I pray for a time where we won’t need to explain why God decided to flex His creative muscle and create us (smiles). That’s the magic we should not have to explain.
TRsT: Are you working on any non-music projects?
SHADE: Yes. I hustle as a communications specialist for one of the most prominent global humanitarian institutions. Outside that, I’m pretty involved in several initiatives within the creative space.
TRsT: A message for your fans.
SHADE: I’m yours; I do this out of a need to inspire the fearless, creating an escape for those trapped and speaking for those whose voices have never been given attention.
TRsT TRIVIA
Current songs on your playlist: Wena – Shade, Full – Full Moon, Against the Grain – Dj Zihle, Trade – Ayanda Jiya, Letter to Hermione – Robert Glasper ft Bilal.
Last movie you saw: A documentary about Whitney Houston.
Guilty Pleasure: YouTube videos of fails and pranks.
Favorite Holiday destination: Thailand, wouldn’t mind going back. Bangkok is so alive.
Things you like in a partner: Supportive, compassionate, and a big heart for humanity.
Wena is available to be streamed on all music platforms. Watch his performance on SABC below.
All Pictures used in this interview were provided by SHADE.
